Project Overview
Innovation Hub, launched in 2025 to inspire innovation in rural Klamath and Lake Counties, needed a modern website to serve as the central resource hub for local entrepreneurs who might otherwise leave the area seeking opportunities. In partnership with Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) and OnTheVerge consulting, we developed a comprehensive platform tailored specifically for a rural town with big dreams. The website delivers exceptional performance while providing easy access to startup resources, mentorship programs, and success stories that encourage entrepreneurs to build their futures locally.
Project Services
The Challenge
Rural Brain Drain
Talented individuals were leaving the area seeking opportunities in larger cities, taking their innovative ideas and potential economic impact with them.
Connectivity Constraints
Many potential users had limited internet speeds, requiring a website that would load quickly and perform well even on slower connections.
Building Community Confidence
The website needed to inspire confidence that a rural town could support innovation and entrepreneurship, countering preconceptions about limited opportunities.
Resource Accessibility
Entrepreneurs needed easy access to startup resources, mentorship, and training typically only available in urban areas.
Multi-Stakeholder Coordination
With partners including OIT and OnTheVerge consulting, the platform needed to serve multiple audiences while maintaining a cohesive vision.
Our Solution
Lightning-Fast Performance for Rural Connectivity
We built the site with exceptional performance as a priority, ensuring it loads in under 2 seconds even on slower rural internet connections. This speed is crucial for users who might otherwise abandon a slow-loading site, missing valuable resources.
Inspiring Design That Builds Confidence
The modern, professional design immediately communicates that innovation can thrive anywhere. We crafted a visual language that balances sophistication with approachability, showing that this rural community takes entrepreneurship seriously.
Comprehensive Resource Platform
We built distinct sections for entrepreneurs, partners, resources, events, and success stories. The platform includes business plan templates, funding application guides, local grant directories, legal startup checklists, marketing toolkits, and connections to SBDC advisors. Each section serves a specific purpose in the entrepreneurial journey, from initial inspiration to finding mentorship and funding opportunities.
Dynamic Success Story Platform
We built a flexible success story system that launched with 93c Degrees as the flagship example, but more importantly, we created an easily expandable architecture that allows Innovation Hub to continuously add new success stories as their program helps businesses flourish. This growing library of local achievements will build momentum over time, with each new story reinforcing that innovation can thrive in rural communities.
Mobile-First Accessibility
With 100% mobile responsiveness, entrepreneurs can access resources whether they're at their home office or on the go. This flexibility is essential for busy entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities.
Data-Driven Growth Through Analytics
Google Analytics integration provides insights into how entrepreneurs use the platform, which resources are most valuable, and where users need additional support, enabling continuous improvement of offerings.
Our Process
Discovery & Rural Innovation Strategy
We began by understanding the unique challenges of fostering innovation in a rural community:
- • Collaborated with OIT and OnTheVerge consulting to understand local needs
- • Analyzed why talented individuals were leaving the area for opportunities
- • Identified specific resources needed: business templates, funding guides, mentor connections
- • Planned site structure to inspire confidence in local innovation potential
- • Established performance requirements for varied internet speeds
Site Architecture & User Journey Planning
We designed a comprehensive structure tailored to rural entrepreneurs:
- • Created distinct pathways for innovators and potential partners
- • Organized resources to address common rural startup challenges
- • Structured mentorship and training sections for skill development
- • Designed success stories section to showcase local achievements
- • Planned intuitive navigation for users with varying tech experience
Astro Development & Performance Focus
We built a lightning-fast static site optimized for rural connectivity:
- • Implemented Astro framework for optimal static site generation
- • Configured build process for sub-2-second load times
- • Created reusable components for consistent user experience
- • Optimized assets for users with slower internet connections
- • Built responsive layouts that work on all devices
Content & Resource Implementation
We populated the platform with valuable startup resources:
- • Developed comprehensive startup resource library
- • Created event management system for workshops and networking
- • Built mentorship connection features
- • Implemented success story showcases to inspire local entrepreneurs
- • Added partnership opportunities to expand the ecosystem
Analytics Integration & Launch
We ensured the platform could measure and grow its impact:
- • Integrated Google Analytics for usage tracking
- • Set up conversion goals for resource downloads and event registrations
- • Performed extensive testing across devices and connection speeds
- • Launched with local entrepreneur community feedback
- • Established monitoring for continuous improvement
Project Outcomes
Exceptional Performance Metrics
With a Lighthouse performance score of 98/100, the site provides fast access to resources regardless of connection speed. This performance has been crucial for user engagement in areas with limited bandwidth.
Foundation for Entrepreneurial Growth
The platform provides a robust foundation for building a thriving entrepreneurial community in rural Oregon. With comprehensive resources, mentorship connections, and success story showcases all in one place, Innovation Hub now has the digital infrastructure to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. As the program grows, the website is ready to scale with it.
Increased Local Innovation Visibility
By showcasing success stories and available resources, the website has helped change perceptions about rural entrepreneurship. More individuals are considering starting businesses locally rather than relocating to urban areas.
Strong Multi-Partner Collaboration
The platform effectively serves the needs of multiple stakeholders – OIT provides educational resources, OnTheVerge offers consulting expertise, and Innovation Hub coordinates the overall ecosystem. The website seamlessly integrates these offerings.
Comprehensive Resource Library
Entrepreneurs now have 24/7 access to practical tools including business plan templates, financial projection spreadsheets, marketing strategy guides, legal entity comparison charts, local funding directories, and pitch deck examples. The organized resource library provides everything needed for local business development, with particularly valuable resources like the 'Rural Business Startup Checklist' and 'Local Grant Application Guide' ready to support the next generation of rural entrepreneurs.
Inspiring a New Generation
Perhaps most importantly, the website demonstrates that rural communities can foster innovation. It's helping retain local talent and attract new entrepreneurs who see the potential in building businesses in a supportive, close-knit community with lower costs and higher quality of life.
Explore The Innovation Hub Website
Browse through the website we created to see how we addressed their specific needs
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